Chapter-3, Sutra 09

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.9

व्युत्थाननिरोधसंस्कारयोरभिभवप्रादुर्भावौ निरोधक्षणचित्तान्वयो निरोधपरिणामः ॥ ३.९ ॥

"The subjugation and emergence of the impressions of distraction 

(vyutthāna) and restraint 

(nirodha) occur when the mind is united with the moment of restraint. This is called the transformation into restraint (nirodha-pariṇāma)."

In this Sutra, Patanjali delves into the subtle workings of the mind as it transitions from a distracted state (vyutthāna) to a state of restraint (nirodha). The verse describes the interplay between the two opposing forces or impressions (saṁskāras) - those that pull the mind outward towards distraction, and those that draw it inward towards restraint. The continuous struggle and transformation between these two forces shape the mental state at any given moment. When the impressions of restraint dominate, the mind moves closer to achieving stillness.

The phrase nirodha-pariṇāma 

signifies this transformation process, where the mind becomes one with the state of restraint. This is a critical moment in yoga practice, as it marks the cessation of mental fluctuations and the stabilization of Consciousness. When restraint takes hold, even momentarily, the deeper impressions of the mind begin to shift. This transformation is subtle and gradual, requiring sustained effort and mindfulness to bring the mind under control, as indicated by the repeated occurrence of both distraction and restraint impressions.

The Sutra suggests that by cultivating the power of restraint over the impressions of distraction, one can gradually increase the moments of inner stillness. This process aligns the mind with Higher States of Consciousness, moving the yogi closer to the Ultimate Goal of sustained meditative absorption or samadhi. The transformation described here is not immediate; it is a process of cultivating the nirodha-saṁskāra, which eventually overpowers the distractions and creates a mental state conducive to deeper meditation.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"That is to say, in this first state of Samadhi, the modifications of the mind have been controlled, but not perfectly, because if they were, there would be no modifications. If there is a modification which impels the mind to rush out through the senses, and the Yogi tries to control it, that very control itself will be a modification. One wave will be checked by another wave, so it will not be real Samadhi, when all the waves have subsided, as control itself will be a wave. Yet this lower Samadhi is very much nearer to the higher Samadhi than when the mind comes bubbling out."

Comparative Context with Vedic Texts:

Katha Upanishad 1.3.10

इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः। मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्बुद्धेरात्मा महान्परः॥

"The senses are said to be superior to objects; superior to the senses is the mind; superior to the mind is the intellect; and superior to the intellect is the great Self."

This verse from the Katha Upanishad explores the hierarchical layers of Consciousness, moving from sensory perceptions to the intellect and eventually to the Self. It relates to Patanjali's idea of overcoming external distractions (vyutthāna) and the process of internalizing the mind toward the Higher Self, which corresponds to the state of nirodha or restraint.

Yoga Vashishta 6.2.72

मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः। बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम्॥

"The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation. A mind attached to sense objects leads to bondage, while a mind free from attachments leads to liberation."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta discusses the mind as the pivotal element in both bondage (vyutthāna) and restraint (nirodha). It resonates with Patanjali's idea that the mind’s impressions can either distract or restrain, depending on whether it is outwardly focused or inwardly directed. The transition described in Patanjali’s Sutra parallels the shift from bondage to liberation as described in this verse.